Romans 1a

7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 1:7). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Abba,

It is not a new term to me.  Not a new concept.  But it struck me powerfully as I read it. 

Saints
 

We are called

Invited

Desired

Beseeched

Beckoned

Chosen

To be Saints.

One resource defined Saint as “the quality possessed by things and persons that could approach a divinity.”

This was the definition that stood out as I read and studied.

Not because it was a new idea.  It wasn’t.

But because it present an old truth in new terms that brought to life a reality that always has been.

It exposed as aspect of “saint” that perhaps before was veiled. 

We are chosen, invited beckoned to approach you, God;

To come near;

To dwell in your presence.

This is about relationship.

This is about approachability.

This is about being desired and wanted.

This is about our ability to step near.

The ability to be up close and personal with you, God.

The profane approaching the majestic.

The filthy approaching purity.

The wicked approaching the righteousness.

The abominable approaching holiness

The unworthy approaching INFINITE value

The despised approaching the supreme.

How do I even comprehend and process such a truth?

How can I even begin to fathom the depths of such a wondrous reality?

Who am I that you would want me?

I mean, even earthly rulers and leaders put barriers between them and those they lead.

You cannot simply approach a person of power and importance.

There is a barrier erected for protection and screening.

I cannot just walk up to the president of the United States and start chatting.

But you, Abba, you have no barriers.

There is an open door.

An open invitation.

You beckon us to come.

You want us to come. 

We are called as saints

As ones who have been given the ability and the invitation to your presence. 

My whole life, I am used to be unnoticeable to most.

Rarely has my life drawn the attention of another.

Rarely have I been chosen first; pursued; sought after; desired.

Sure, there have been and are instances of this being true.

And they are breathtaking in my life.


But none from one so great and marvelous as you, Abba.

Not once.  Not ever.

Besides you.

And it was nothing in me; nothing I have done to draw your attention.

It is simply because I am yours.  You made me.  You want me.

For no other reason than I exist. 

Made by the might of your hand and knowledge of your infinite mind.

Me.

I am called.

Called to be saint.

Called to approach and dwell near you.

Me.

Simply astounding!